Tensions run high on Capitol Hill

GOP warns against "fear mongering" on controversial pick

Lisa Mascaro Associated Press

Published
11:52 pm EDT, Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, is shown during a visit to the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. Kavanaugh is on Capitol Hill to meet with Republican leaders as the battle begins over his nomination to the Supreme Court. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) less

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, is shown during a visit to the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. Kavanaugh is on Capitol Hill ... more

Photo: Susan Walsh

Photo: Susan Walsh

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Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, is shown during a visit to the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. Kavanaugh is on Capitol Hill to meet with Republican leaders as the battle begins over his nomination to the Supreme Court. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) less

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, is shown during a visit to the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. Kavanaugh is on Capitol Hill ... more

Photo: Susan Walsh

Tensions run high on Capitol Hill

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Washington

Conservative Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh plunged into his confirmation battle Tuesday, meeting face to face with Senate leaders in what promises to be an intense debate over abortion rights, presidential power and other legal disputes that could reshape the court and roil this fall's elections.

Kavanaugh's arrival as President Donald Trump's nominee was greeted on Capitol Hill with praise from Republicans and skepticism from Democrats. There were also pledges of open minds by key senators.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned of an onslaught of "fear mongering" from liberal groups trying to derail the nomination. He said it was clear that many Democrats "didn't care who the nominee was at all. Whoever President Trump put up they were opposed to."

Kavanaugh, just 53, could serve on the high court for decades.

As he arrived on Capitol Hill Tuesday, he huddled with McConnell, Vice President Mike Pence and former Sen. Jon Kyl. He also met with Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which will determine whether to recommend him to the full Senate.

McConnell, who has been influential in shaping Trump's remaking of the judiciary, said, "What we'd like to see is a few open minds about this extraordinary talent."

Grassley said a speedy confirmation wasn't necessarily the goal. The vetting process, he said, is "going to be thorough and going to be done right."